Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has been awarded a $1.3 million federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand academic support and increase college completion for first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities. The five-year grant strengthens NWTC’s ongoing commitment to improving student success and advancing equitable access to higher education.
Through the grant, NWTC will launch a new TRIO SSS program designed to support 140 students annually. The program will provide individualized services such as academic advising, tutoring, financial aid and scholarship guidance, career exploration, and transfer planning – all at no cost to participants. The program is expected to begin serving students in spring 2026 and will build a connected community of learners supported by dedicated staff, targeted resources, and a new on-campus space designed for TRIO participants.
“TRIO is about creating a community where students feel seen, supported, and confident in their ability to reach their goals,” said John Grant, associate vice president of Student Affairs at NWTC. “This program strengthens our mission to remove barriers and expand opportunity – especially for first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities. When we connect students with the right people, resources, and relationships, we change what’s possible for their future.”
NWTC’s TRIO work will focus on students who are enrolled in a technical diploma or associate degree program and have an identified academic need. To shape its program design, NWTC reviewed baseline data showing opportunity gaps for first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities.
Only 55% of eligible students earn their credential in their first year or remain enrolled in college the next year, and fewer than 50% remain in good academic standing. Additionally, just 10% complete a degree or certificate within four years, with 1% transferring to a four-year institution.
These findings underscore the critical need for additional academic support, coaching, and connection – areas where TRIO programs have a nationally proven record of boosting persistence, GPA, and completion outcomes.
To launch the program, NWTC will hire three grant-funded staff members dedicated to serving TRIO students. The entire program will be financed by the $1.3 million grant, while the TRIO SSS team will leverage existing institutional supports to ensure successful implementation. The College will also create dedicated space on campus for TRIO students and offer workshops on topics such as job searches, résumé building, financial planning, career pathways, and transfer opportunities – including tours of four-year partner institutions.
With this new investment, NWTC strengthens its commitment to student access, belonging, and post-graduation success.
Learn more about NWTC's Student Resources.
